Taj Mahal : Agra

About Taj Mahal:
  

The Taj Mahal  is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  

The Taj Mahal  is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
  

While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.

It is one of the seven wonders of the world. 

Location : Agra

Co ordinates :27° 10′ 27″ N, 78° 2′ 32″ E

State : Uthar Pradesh

How to reach:

1. By Air

Nearest Airport : Agra Airport

Agra Airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Major Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.

2. By Rail

Nearest Railway Station : Agra Cantonment station

Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express are the best choices if you want to reach Agra from Delhi in luxury. Normal trains are also available in plenty.

3. By Road

Nearest Bus stand :Idgah bus stand 

Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, one can catch buses from Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.

4. Local Transport

You can travel to different parts of Agra using different modes of transport like taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw from the Taj Mahal area. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. It is to be remembered that no diesel or petrol vehicle are allowed to ply in the Taj Mahal area. Battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles are allowed to conserve the beauty of this great monument.